On the cover: Have Yourself a Modern Little Christmas
The Old Louisville home of interior designer Bethany Adams.
Photo by J.L. Jordan Photography
2025 Sophisticated Giving Charity Register
A comprehensive guide to charitable giving in Louisville.
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Highlights from the November/December 2025 issue:
Nature & Nurture
The thoughtful evolution of a landmark Louisville estate occurred via a long-term collaboration between the homeowners and interior designer Libby Rush of Bittners.
Text: Tracy Cottrell
Photos: Kate Leichhardt
Menopause is Having a Moment
Chances are, if you see a group of "women of a certain age" (40s, 50s, and 60s), they are talking about much more than the latest cast of Real Housewives or a newfound interest in mahjong. It's more likely the conversation centers on hot flashes, sleepless nights, brain fog and forgetfulness, extreme mood swings, unhappy partners due to a lack of sex, and weight gain they can't seem to beat.
According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 1.3 million women in the United States reach menopause each year, meaning that around 6,000 women enter menopause daily. Fifty-one is the average age at which menopause occurs.
Text: Terri Paige, CEO and Co-founder, Medical Transformation Center
Cover Story: Have Yourself a Modern Little Christmas
To the casual design enthusiast, Victorian and modern styles may seem to be at odds with one another, with the former notable for its indulgence in grand excess of ornamentation and the latter known as a less-is-better approach. However, interior designer and self-proclaimed modernist Bethany Adams has harmoniously melded these disparate designs in her circa 1890s Old Louisville home.
Text: Bridget Cottrell
Photography: J.L. Jordan Photography
La Bohème Exemplar
Like her eponymous jewelry line, Lee Milward's home reflects her passion for exploring the world.
Photography by Erica Sharp
10 Things that Make Me Smile
As told to Bridget Cottrell by Dr. Abby Lavelle Staffieri
As 2025 comes to a close, the cosmic rhythm turns reflective. The full Moon in Taurus on November 5th brings a wave of emotion and awareness and asks us to pause, assess what we have built, and honor what truly matters. Taurus, ruled by Venus, reminds us of the beauty in stability and gratitude, while the Sun in Scorpio brings transformation, renewal, and emotional depth.
Text: Joy Yascone Elms, MA
Society Calendar, Presented by Kentucky Select Properties
Happenings of note in November & December.
Celebrations are better when they’re shared! Think beyond a Facebook or Instagram post by commemorating special events in our Sophisticated Celebrations section. Send your high-resolution images with a brief description to bridget@slmag.net.
Is there an upcoming event you’d like us to cover? If so, drop us a message below with the details!
Sophisticated Society
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Sophisticated Society 〰️
Photos by Chad Henle
Photos by Alexandra Lee Studios
Photos by Chad Henle
The Curiosity Curve
Photos courtesy Dr. Debra Clary
Raise the Barre
Photos by Chad Henle
Cartwheels Reopening
Photos by Chad Henle
CASAblanca at the Movies
Photos by Chad Henle
Seviche Celebrates 25 Years
Photos courtesy of Seviche
VIPS Pickleball Classic
Photos by Chad Henle
Homearama Homecoming
Photos by Chad Henle
Confidence Blooms at Digenis Plastic Surgery
Photos by Chad Henle
Medical Transformation Center Age Smart Fest
Photos by Chad Henle
502 Group Mixer at Rabbit Hole
Photos by Chad Henle
Parklands Field to Fork
Photos by Chad Henle
Locust Grove Soiree
Photos by Chad Henle
Twilight in the Garden
Photos by Chad Henle
Vision Gala
Photos by Chad Henle
SCAK Gala
Photos by Chad Henle
Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala
Photos by Chad Henle
Classic Cocktail Revival Book Launch
Photos by Chad Henle
Je suis fatigue.
If you see me walking along Frankfort Avenue with my dog early in the morning and it appears as though I am talking to myself, I promise I haven’t lost my mind (at least not yet); I am making my most concerted effort yet to try to learn French. Because my brain’s absorption ability when it comes to foreign dialects is like a ball bearing ricocheting off a steel plate, this time around, I am staging a multi-pronged attack.
Text: Bridget Cottrell - bridget@slmag.net.
From the Editor-In-Chief
Get to Know Us
Editor-In-Chief
Bridget Cottrell
A co-founder of the company, Bridget is Editor-In-Chief of both the Lexington and Louisville editions in addition to serving as the editorial director for shared content across all Sophisticated Living issues. Originally intending to become an archaeologist, she transfers her global curiosity into content that takes multiple perspectives into account.
bridget@slmag.net
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For advertising information contact Bridget Williams - bridget@slmag.net
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